Pumpkin is a big hit in the fall for decor and especially recipes, but I know it’s not everyone’s favorite! Which is why I decided to embrace the trend for Halloween and Thanksgiving without adding any pumpkin into the recipe with these Pumpkin [Shaped] Mini Cheese Balls!

Unlike some of my other Halloween time posts that are really catered toward kids, these Mini Cheese Balls are perfect for the entire family and maybe even better as a Thanksgiving appetizer! The kids will see a fun pumpkin shaped snack and love that they are filled with bacon, cheese and ranch. Doesn’t every kid love ranch? The adults will see a seasonally stylish appetizer perfect for our fall holidays.

I love using organic ingredients when I can, and Horizon Organics makes it easy. Plus, their items are delicious!

HOW TO SHAPE THESE PUMPKIN MINI CHEESE BALLS:

You might see these Pumpkin Shaped Mini Cheese Balls and think they are too tricky to make, but they are not. If you follow along with The Love Nerds regularly, you know that complicated or time consuming recipes is not usually my go to. I prefer simple! The whole process took me about 20 minutes from start to finish. The best part? Little hands can definitely be helpful in making these, too!

You will mix up all the ingredients into ingredients are even throughout.

Roll into small balls – mine were around 2″ thick.

Chill briefly so they are easier to work with.

Use a butter knife or another flat, dull surface to make the indents around the cheese balls. I made around 8 indents around the entire surface.

Make delicious bacon ranch cheese balls and shape them into adorable pumpkins for the perfect Halloween and Thanksgiving appetizer! These Pumpkin Mini Cheese Balls are cute, tasty and easy to serve!

Course: Appetizer

Servings: 10+

Author: Maggie @ The Love Nerds

Ingredients

8ouncesReduced Fat Cream Cheese

1ounceDry Ranch Mix

3Bacon Strips(cooked and chopped)

1cupShredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese

1-2Green Onions, chopped(optional)

Pretzel Sticks, halved(garnish)

Fresh Parsley Leaves(garnish)

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients together well.

Roll the mix into small 2 inch balls or size preferred.

If you find them sticky, roll the balls into a little bit of shredded cheese to create a slightly outer layer and then roll again between your hands again to get the cheese to stick and lay flat.

Chill for about 10 minutes.

Remove and create the "pumpkin" lines with the help of a butter knife or icing knife. I make about 8 wedges on each cheese ball. When making a line, don't go down too deep as you don't want the cheese ball to fall apart.

Add half of a pretzel stick and a small piece of parsley for a leaf. Push the end of the parsley lightly into the cheeseball near the pretzel.

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Hi, Autumn. I am wondering if you saw an older version of the recipe somehow because I’m not seeing that instruction in the post unless I’m missing it. It currently reads: “If you find them sticky, roll the balls into a little bit of shredded cheese to create a slightly outer layer and then roll again between your hands again to get the cheese to stick and lay flat.” Sorry for any confusion!